Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine September/October Issue 04

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020

Issue 04

FEED MY SHEEP MINISTRIES A Positive Force In the Community

Page 18

Page 26

BIDEN PICKS HARRIS MEET THE LADIES OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY

VANDPMAGAZINE.COM

VISION & PURPOSE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

CONTENTS 26 Biden Picks Harris

38 Legacy of Freedom

Howard University Washington, DC

45 Visual Arts

6 Inspirational Moments Who's Watching You? 8 Education Is Key The Convening Returning to Learn 18 Business & Entrepreneurship Feed My Sheep Ministries A Plan of Action 20 Health & Wellness Exercise & Stress I Agreed!

Healthy Childhood Nutrition 32 Community Outreach September/October Awareness 34 Authors Speak The Strength of Our Anchors 42 All Things Fashion What Is Your Electromagnetic Radiation?

Color 54 The Sports Report With Lady K Are You Ready For Some Football?

26 Ladies of Howard University

Front Cover: Screenshot of the broadcast of the Democratic National Convention Coverage

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18

September/October 2020 Founders Karen McConnell-Jones & Dr. Sharon H. Porter Editor-In-Chief Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Contributing Writers: Inspirational Moments Education Is Key Business & Entrepreneurship

Health & Wellness

Community Outreach Authors Speak

Travel & Real Estate All Things Fashion

Performing Arts

Angela Bryant Dr. Sharon H. Porter Dr. Essie McKoy Karen McConnell-Jones Donna Harris Jason Greene Candice Camille Kyonna F. Brown

Deputy Editors Karen McConnell-Jones Seth Washington Marjorie Middleton Layout & Design Dr. Sharon H. Porter Director of Graphics & Design Krystal Glenn Director of Sales Karen McConnell Jones Sales Team Michelle B. Hauser

Dr. Sharon H. Porter

Photographers Dominique Massaquoi Michael Atcherson

Angela A. Pleasants

V&P Consultant Karen Clay

Karen McConnell-Jones

Antonio "Tony" Turner Martina Turner

Seth Washington

The Sports Report

Karen McConnell-Jones

Feature

Karen McConnell-Jones Dr. Sharon H. Porter

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Contact www.vandpmagazine.com info@vandpmagazine.com sales@vandpmagazine.com

@vandpmagazine

V&P Service Page Special dedication to Donna Harris and Krystal Glenn

The V&P Team is here to be a positive voice for our community through the stories that are shared in our magazine. In addition, we would like to provide services for our community to continue to help build our community one VISION and one PURPOSE at a time!

For services and pricing, please contact us at info@vandpmagazine.com.

Karen McConnell-Jones Dr. Sharon H. Porter Krystal Glenn Karen Clay Stevie Gaymon Domminique Massaquoi Angela Bryant Jason Greene Kyonna F. Brown Dr. Essie McKoy James Adéll Antonio Turner Martina Turner Shaina Brown Alicia Morgan Alia Jackson Seth Washington Candice Camille Donna Harris Michelle B. Hauser

Inspirational Speaker and Business Development Consultant (Marketing & Branding Specialist) Educational Consultant, Panel Facilitator & Book Publisher Graphic Designer Website Designer Photographer Photographer Gospel Singer & Real Estate Agent Chef & Catering Service Inspirational Speaker & Social Media Specialist Inspirational Speaker& Educational Consultant Custom Men's Clothing Designer Hair Stylist & Hair Care Products Hair Stylists & Hair Care Products Hair Stylist Women's Clothing Line Specialist Social Media Specialist Vocal Artist & Master of Ceremony Personal Trainer Tax Accountant Virtual Assistant

Vision & Purpose LifeStyle Magazine "Inspiring Our Community" www.vandpmagazine.com

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Contributors Angela Bryant Inspirational Moments

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Donna Harris Business & Entrepreneurship

A passionate and detail-oriented Tax Accountant, Donna Harris has been meeting the needs of individuals and corporations for more than 20 years.

Donna has degrees in Management, Accounting and Business.

Candice Camille Health & Wellness

Candice Camille is CEO of Candice Camille Enterprises, Founder of Sexy Fit & Well, and Plank Talk Nation. She is a planking world record contender, an award winning sort after International Speaker and Media Personality.

Along with being a High Performance Personal Trainer, Certified Emotional Mastery Coach and Amazon bestselling Author. She has also been featured on The Dr. Oz Show, WUSA 9, and ION TV. As a committed community leader, Candice is CoFounder of Girls Run, Inc. where she serves as a running and mentoring coach for young girls.

Dr. Sharon H. Porter Education Is Key Authors Speak The 2NCs

Dr. Sharon H. Porter (Dr. Sharon) , educator, best-selling author, publisher. Dr. Sharon is the Executive Director of the Next In Line to Lead Aspiring Principal Leadership Academy (APLA). and President of SHP Enterprise, the umbrella entity for Perfect Time SHP LLC, Coaching, Consulting, and Book Publishing Firm, The GRIND Entrepreneur Network, and SHP Media and Broadcasting. She is the host of The I Am Dr. Sharon Show.

Dr. Sharon is a Founding Partner and VicePresident,Media & Communications for WNM Ventures, LLC (The What Now Movement).

Chef Jason Greene Health & Wellness

Chef Jason R Greene is a certified chef who studied at the Art Institute of Washington. He is a very skilled, technically savvy, determined chef who specializes in Cajun Cuisine and innovating new types of menus as time progresses.

Chef Jason is constantly expanding his culinary knowledge and has strong aspirations in making Chef J Greene a household name. In January of 2013 Chef J Greene branched out and started TJay’s Catering Company, a company he quoted to provide high quality cuisine to nourish the mind, body and soul.

Dr. Essie McKoy Educator Is Key

Dr. Essie McKoy, CEO of Dr. Essie Speaks, an award-winning educator, a four times Amazon bestselling author, a coach, an inspirational speaker, and a radio host.

She received her Doctorate in Education (Ed.D.) and an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed. S.) from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, a Master’s Degree from Appalachian State University, and a Bachelor of Science Degree from Winston-Salem State University.

Karen McConnell Jones Business & Entrepreneurship The Sports Report The 2NCs

Karen McConnell-Jones is an Entrepreneur and Philanthropist, being the first African-American full-service upscale Salon/Day Spa, located in the prestigious downtown Washington, D.C., two blocks from the White House.

Ms. McConnell-Jones is the CEO & President of Class Act Productions and Class Act Speakers Bureau, lending her expertise in the area of Business Development, Business & Purpose Coach, and Inspirational Speaker.

Best known for her work she does in the community, earning over 30 proclamations for her work in the community.She is also Deputy Editor, Director of Sales, Co-Founder and Owner of V&P Magazine & Media.

Kyonna F. Brown Health & Wellness

Kyonna is a media guru, successful business owner, and an established author. She wrote Blessed Hands: The Pathway to Forgiveness, and contributed to Breaking Free Forever, The Momentous Journey, and Break Through. Kyonna recently became a CMAT prison mentor.

Pooch Styles, her trendy creative pet grooming and aesthetician business in the Washington, DC area, is where she and her staff offer FURgiveness to 4-legged members of various families. She provides tips and tools via her book How to care for the pet I love.

Rev. Angela A. Pleasants Travel & Real Estate

Reverend Angela A. Pleasants served as District Superintendent in the Western North Carolina Conference and currently serves the South Tryon Community in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Reverend Pleasants is a graduate of North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, completing her Bachelor of Science in Business, and is a graduate of Duke Divinity School with a Master's in divinity. She serves as Police Chaplain with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department and is receiving her certification as a Spiritual Director.

Antonio Turner All Things Fashion

Contributors

Tony Turner is co-owner of Tony Turner Hair Products & Salon located in Richmond VA. He is a licensed cosmetologist/ salon owner with over 30 years experience. He has worked for many hair care brands before creating his own line of hair care products. Tony is an award-winning hair stylist and was named Hair Styling Icon by Beauty & Barber Magazine.

He has owned multiple hair salons. Beginning with his first salon The Untouchables at the age of 19.

He is looking forward to sharing his insight with V&P readers.

Dominique Massaquoi Photography

Martina Turner All Things Fashion

Seth Washington Performance Arts Deputy Editor

Martina Turner is working on building the Tony Turner Unleashed Brand with her Husband/Business Partner, Antonio Turner, located in Richmond, Virgina.

Seth Washington writes about Performing Arts for V&P Magazine. Also, he performs spoken word poems, at DC-area venues, including Busboys and Poets. These days, Zoom is the venue, wherein, this writer has hosted, moderated, spoken, as well as, simply watched and listened.IG: seth.voice

Martina has 26 years of experience in the Cosmetology field. She's had the opportunity to do Platform work at the International Beauty Show in New York City, work with Wahl Clipper Company at the Bronner's International Beauty Show in Atlanta Georgia.

Martina is working on photography, filming, designing, creating new looks for advertisement, commercials and Trade shows for Tony Turner Unleashed Hair Care Products.

Krystal Glenn Graphic Design

Dominique Massaquoi was born and raised in Washington DC. She is an up-and-coming photographer. She has a marketing degree from The Pennsylvania State University and is the owner of HawaDigital, a photography business.

Krystal Glenn is the Lead Cinematographer at OG Media Productions. She graduated from Hampton University in 2002 with a degree in Business Administration and started a career in Accounting with a non-profit organization.

She enjoys capturing special moments with her lens. She feels like photography is an art and it allows her to tell a story that can be captured in a second. She specializes in street photography, especially graffiti murals.,

She went on to attend Full Sail University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Digital Cinematography.She is a cinematographer, writer, speaker and producer.

Marjorie Middleton Deputy Editor

Marjorie Middleton is a teacher, active in the community, striving to serve the underserved.

Marjie’s journey began on an Apache Indian reservation. Later, Outreach Coordinator Marjie led her team to a successful , police awarded deescalation of a marginalized neighborhood’s open air drug market, also reaching many children & their parent’s spiritually. Marjie writes, and leads Zoom discussion/prayer groups addressing present time facing COVID--19, emphasizing the vitality of understanding Black Lives Matter.

Michelle B. Hauser Sales Department

Michelle B. Hauser is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She has worked in the medical field for over 17 years.

She is currently a Compliance Educator with a Health Care Organization in North Carolina.

Michelle earned a Master‘s degree in Medical Health Administration from Strayer University and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication from Salem College.

As a cinematographer, she has worked on a variety of genres of projects including commercials, PSA, music videos and minidocumentaries, video streaming, short films, commercials and more.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

2020 V&P MAGAZINE | 5

Inspirational Moments

Who's Watching You?

By Angela Bryant

For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; Luke 12:48b When I read the above scripture, it causes me to pause, reflect, and ask myself if I am giving and being all that I can be. In other words, am I living my best life so that others will be inspired to follow suit?

During my sophomore year at Union Springs Academy (Christian boarding school), I discovered that I was a natural-born leader, thanks to my Principal, Mr. Newmeyer, who I loved and respected dearly. He noticed right away that I was designed to attract and influence people without even trying. One day in his office, after I had gotten into some trouble for social misconduct (holding a guy’s hand, which was forbidden), he warned me that people were watching me and following my lead whether I asked them to or not. As an influencer, I was responsible for my actions and that I needed to be conscious and mindful of that at all times. At first, I rebuked his words of wisdom with statements like, “I didn’t want the responsibility”, “I didn’t ask for this”, and “It’s not fair!” Nonetheless, it was a true statement, and my choices were either to embrace it, along with its responsibilities, or reject it and deal with the consequences. Taking to heart the advice of Mr. Newmeyer, I chose to embrace it!

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In the beginning, I flailed in my newly discovered leadership role. But under the mentorship of Mr. Newmeyer and the Holy Spirit, I became more comfortable as a leader.

So much that I ran for the President of the Girls Dorm and won, started a cheerleading squad, and held a class office. It’s amazing what you can do when you know your purpose in life and take responsibility for it. But this doesn’t just apply to me.

As human beings, and especially as Believers, we are all born to lead. Yes, you read that right.

In some capacity, we are expected to lead by example the characteristics of Christ—love, patience, compassion, service, forgiveness, to name a few. Like me, God has equipped you with skills, personality traits, and the Holy Spirit to fulfill your purpose on this earth, right where you are!

Whether you want them to or not, people are watching you. They are not just observing your walk, but they are watching how you execute or not execute responsibilities, handle or not handle tough situations, give or not give

Inspirational Moments to those in need, forgive or not forgive, and how you treat yourself. People who admire you will follow your example in life situations, especially when they don’t know what else to do. No matter how we look at it, we are responsible and held accountable by God and others for the way we live.

And non-Believers, you are not off the hook! As citizens of America, you are expected to be respectful, fair, compassionate and kind to one another, just because. Never is it an excuse to do otherwise because our children are watching.

Some of you are reading this and thinking “this does not apply to me.” If you are not a Believer, I understand your stance on this, but I beg to differ. As a parent, you lead your children. They are watching you! As the older sibling, you are in charge. They are watching you! As a public figure, you are an influencer, and they are watching you! It doesn’t matter if you are a Christian or not. You are still being watched and held accountable for your actions.

Do me a favor and reread the opening scripture, Luke 12:48. This time read it with the intent to answer the question “am I giving and living my best life for those who are watching?”

Because they are watching and God is watching how you influence them.

In a time when strong, effective leadership is needed most from our country's leaders, there is none! We are watching. Instead, our media outlets spew and spin messages of self-centeredness, racism, injustice, and greed. And we are watching. So it is no surprise that our country is a mess while we are watching!

With that said, something has to change. We are that change!

As Believers, God has given us ALL—not just the preachers, elders, and bible instructors—the commission to be a good neighbor and share the “Good News” of the Gospel. And He has equipped us for the task. There is something unique to you that only you can do. Regardless of what it is, it was given to you to be a light...to shine where you are in your special way.

For me, once I discovered my gift of singing, I chose to use it to expand God’s Kingdom. That is why I write, record, and perform inspirational music. For you, it may not be so obvious what your gift(s) are. It may take a family member, close friend, or a test (e.g. Meyers Briggs personality test) to help you identify them. Some churches host a workshop to help members discover their spiritual gifts so that they know where to best serve within the church. Regardless of the route you take, just find out so that you can begin developing and using them for the good of the people in your communities (virtual included).

In Matt. 5:13 – 16, Jesus makes it plain that Christians are the salt and light in this world as a result of the Holy Spirit living within them.

And because much is given to us, much is expected of us. With every breath we take and every decision we make, we are expected to do good, be good, and live good so that others will know that God is good!

My challenge to you is that as you go about your plans each day, be prayerful, mindful, and intentional about what you do and say. For you never know who’s watching you.

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Education Is Key

A Gathering of Black Women Educators, Leaders, and Scholars

By Sharon H. Porter. Ed. D.

EDUCATION IS

The Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Howard University in partnership with AASA, The School Superintendents Association, the National Alliance of Black School Educators( NABSE ), and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., offered a free, one-day virtual conference for Black women who currently lead schools, school districts, and educational organizations across the United States.

I had the distinct honor and pleasure of serving as

Inspirational Speaker, Life Coach, and TV personality

host of The Convening, a virtual gathering of Black

Iyanla Vanzant, also a Keynote Speaker, led a powerful

women educational leaders from across the United

session entitled "Revolutionary Self-care

States. This event took place July 25, 2020. I had an

for Black Women Who Lead."

opportunity to speak with the event's Visionary, and professor at Howard University, Dr. Lisa M. Grillo,

Featured panelists included, university professors, school

about the purpose of the event.

superintendents, school principals, and leaders of various educational organizations.

The outpouring of support for this event was a testament to its apparent need.

The anticipation of the next event from the Convening has educational leaders from across the country waiting with

Dr. Leslie Fenwick, Dean Emeritus of the Howard

excitement and enthusiasm to take part.

University School of Education and a tenured professor of educational policy and

Let's find out a little more about The Convening from

leadership, was the first Keynote Speaker, Fenwick's

Visionary, Dr. Lisa M. Grillo.

focus was "Black Women: Leading with Character and Vision".

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An Interview with Dr. Lisa M. Grillo SHP: Howard University School of Education held The Convening: Black Women as Educational Leaders in the Era of Black Lives Matter, Saturday, July 25, 2020. Please share the context for this event.

LMG: Through my research, Black women have shared that there are no sacred spaces for them as leaders to come together, support each other, build on each other's ideas, and help to promote and affirm one another. I wanted to create a space at this point in time, while social justice is in the minds and hearts of so many people, where we could do just that. I believe Black women are the future of education and we have to create spaces for them as leaders to feel empowered.

SHP: The experiences of Black female leaders in education may differ depending on location.

As a former educational leader in North Carolina and now in the Washington DC metropolitan area, I have different experiences.

How will the Convening be a support structure for Black women in education leadership across the country?

LMG: This is a great question because it speaks to the regional needs of Black women as leaders. We know through research, however, there are common experiences that all black women benefit from across geographic locations or other unique characteristics of the districts in which they serve.

For example, all Black women benefit greatly from authentic, meaningful mentorship; that is, leaders who pour into them and help to grow them in their leadership. So The Convening is a way for us to find common threads among Black women as leaders and then build on those threads.

SHP: Gender and race are definitely barriers to career progression for Black women in educational leadership. The shade or skin color (colorism) has also been reported as a barrier.

Is colorism a topic that the Convening would be willing to address?

LMG: Absolutely. Colorism is very much a barrier. I think it’s important to address it from several perspectives. The truth is, black women of all shades in complexions have to contend with colorism. So it’s definitely something we should address.

SHP: Black women in education from different levels were represented; scholars, PK-12, and higher education. They had an opportunity to share deep insights and meaningful dialogue through remarks, as well as, panel discussions.

How important is it to have an intentional space for Black women in educational leadership to have a voice.

LMG: Education will not change without us. I know this to be true, that is both the assumption of this work and the basis for this work. We have to bring Black women from the research world and Black women from the practitioner world together because research and practice must go hand-in-hand. We must illuminate the voices of Black women in research and we must apply our research findings to support, develop and grow black women who wish to be leaders in our field. We will continue to find ways to bring women who exercise their leadership in different ways to the table so that we can share, innovate, and collectively build.

SHP: What’s next for the Convening?

LMG: We have several ideas for The Convening. We know it will be an annual event. We are exploring quarterly or monthly events based on different topics. But ultimately, we want black women to be at the forefront of policymaking in our field. We want black women to be in high level leadership roles at the state and district levels. We want black women in key roles in the US Department of Education. So we will explore ways to use our collective power and positive energy to put black women in these roles so that we can ultimately raise outcomes and create better opportunities for the children that we serve, particularly black and brown children.

As a teacher, leader and scholar with over 25 years of experience in public education, Dr. Lisa M. Grillo currently serves as assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies in the Howard University School of Education. Her research is currently focused on the experiences of Black and Latina women who lead in educational settings.

Prior to this role, Dr. Grillo successfully led district and school level initiatives to improve student outcomes for diverse student populations in large urban and suburban school districts.

Howard University School of Education prepares transformational leaders as highly qualified teachers, reflective practitioners, effective administrators and engaged researchers who influence educational policies and practices relevant to Black and other underserved populations; we empower individuals, schools, and communities; and we promote racial and social justice.

Dawn Williams, Ph,.D.,serves as Dean of the Howard University School of Education.

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Education Is Key

Returning to Learn

By Dr. Essie McKoy

Our nation is dealing with an ever-growing pandemic and we are planning for learning while creating a new normal for students across the globe. In the fall of 2020, schools across this nation will return to learning. Educators are busy preparing for their return. As we know, some schools will offer a variety of learning options, from a hybrid schedule, a remote schedule, an all-in-person schedule and even no school at all! No matter the options, we must prepare for this academic school year.

Many school districts made decisions with input from parents, the community, students, staff, school board members, and district leaders about the plan they would adopt for the 20-21 school year. The stakes are high, and lives will be impacted in a multitude of ways by whatever decision is made. This will be another abnormal year, while we create a new normal, as to how we operate schools and how students learn.

Many parents have asked what schools are doing to prepare. With so many challenges for schools, and the increase in COVID-19 cases, parents are deeply concerned, and rightfully so. Educators are concerned and continue to be on the frontlines. Schools have been, and continue to be, extremely busy preparing to meet the needs of the whole child. Now, more than ever, we have to include a multitude of strategies to meet their social and emotional needs during this crisis.

Many districts developed a task force early in the summer to address a lot of the concerns they received from not only parents, but educators as well, and now schools are receiving information from their task force and are solidifying plans. The time is upon educators and decisions must be implemented. School doors are opening soon and educators are embracing the challenges!

School system employees and educators are learning about the COVID-19 Health Services Plan, cleaning procedures, information from the state Department of Health and the CDC on the COVID-19 virus, isolation vs. quarantine, and procedures and protocols that must be followed if and when schools are back in session. They are abiding by CDC guidelines even before students get back to learning.

Leaders are planning specific professional development and teachers and staff are getting ready for the type of plan they will operate under for next school year. Professional development on how to address students’ emotional, social, psychological and academic needs are being created. Distance learning plans are being created for those districts offering on-line learning. Educators are continuing to plan for teaching and learning no matter the format in which schools will operate. Constant communication to staff members from superintendents and principals to school based staff members are being shared and new information from the Governor of each state, the CDC, the Secretary of Education, and other organizations are being given, so that schools can provide the best possible plan for students.

Recently, I read an article from the CDC and they shared excellent information that is used by schools, administrators, and districts across the nation as to how to plan for a safe return in the Fall of 2020. Leaders are integrating this information into their plans and I encourage parents to check it out and read all about the information provided.

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The CDC provided the following: Critical Role of Schools What is known about the signs and symptoms, burden, and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 among children?

What is known about how schools have reopened and the impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission?

Why is it Important to Open Schools for In-Person Instruction?

Schools play a critical role in supporting the whole child, not just the academic achievement of students How can K-12 schools prepare for going back to inperson instruction?

Again, the CDC’s guidance is intended to aid school administrators as they consider how to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of students, teachers, other school staff, their families and communities as they prepare for educating students this fall.

All entities involved in the schooling process are working to create plans to ensure safety is the top priority. For example, School Health Services devised a Recovery Plan Resource for K-12 schools that is comprehensive. It entails just about everything you can think of as it relates to COVID-19.

Districts are even creating Protocols for Employee Screening, Monitoring, and Reporting Signs and Symptoms of COVID-19. As the CDC indicates, it is critical that all administrators adhere to the following: Engage and encourage everyone in the school and the community to practice preventive behaviors.

Implement multiple SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies (e.g., social distancing, cloth face coverings, hand hygiene, and use of cohorting).

Communicate, educate, and reinforce appropriate hygiene and social distancing practices in ways that are developmentally appropriate for students, teachers, and staff.

Integrate SARS-CoV-2 mitigation strategies into cocurricular and extracurricular activities (e.g., limiting or cancelling participation in activities where social distancing is not feasible).

Maintain healthy environments (e.g., cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces).

Make decisions that consider the level of community transmission.

Repurpose unused or underutilized school (or community) spaces to increase classroom space and facilitate social distancing, including outside spaces, where feasible.

Develop a proactive plan for when a student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19.

Develop a plan with the state and local health department to conduct case tracing in the event of a positive case.

Educate parents and caregivers on the importance of monitoring for and responding to the symptoms of COVID19 at home.

Develop ongoing channels of communication with state and local health departments to stay updated on COVID-19 transmission and response in your local area.

Also, they provide key considerations for school administrators: I highly encourage administrators to check it out and share pertinent information with parents. We know that schools have a critical role and the guidance by the CDC is intended, first and foremost, to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of students, teachers, other school staff, their families, and communities.

Schools are an important part of the infrastructure of communities, as they provide safe, supportive learning environments for students, employ teachers and other staff, and enable parents, guardians, and caregivers to work. Schools also provide critical services that help to mitigate health disparities, such as school meal programs, and social, physical, behavioral, and mental health services (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2020).

In addition, there was an excellent article in Education Week’s Blog Section about the 'Blueprint' for reopening Schools and Beyond. Evie Blade suggested that schools should have clear procedures for closing again if the coronavirus re-emerges in an area. Also, administrators and school-based personnel should be prepared to cooperate with local health authorities to track factors like student absenteeism, fevers, and family health conditions to help trace the path of the pandemic and stop its spread. Information should be fluid and shared with parents as needed (Blade, 2020).

Parents, educators, and others who desire to know more, please visit the State Department of Education in your particular state, review your child’s school district website, the CDC website and stay tuned to local leaders in your district to learn more as we navigate schooling during this global pandemic!

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 V&P MAGAZINE 11

V&P Media presents Village Talk Podcast every 2nd and 4th Sunday from 4:30 pm - 5:00 pm EST with hosts Cortland Jones and Shauna Felton King.

Cortland Jones is a 28 year veteran educator, published author, entrepreneur, and co-founder of The Better Place, Inc. He has published three books with a children's book scheduled to be released Summer 2020.

Empowering others by God's grace is his vision and mission for what he does in using his gifts and abilities to make the world around him a better place for others.

Shauna Felton King is an educator, author and speaker with over 20 years of experience in public and private settings. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Morgan State University, a master’s degree in Education from Bowie State and an Education Specialist degree in Adult Learning from Walden University.

An active member of her church and community, Shauna is also a proud wife and mother of two middle school age children. She serves as the president of The Better Place, a nonprofit that serves youth and families.

Educators number one priority is to keep students safe while we all return to learning. We know that it will take everyone within our school communities to ensure safety and follow all guidance and protocols given by health officials.

The time for us to come together and act in a unified manner is NOW! We must be able to operate within this new normal while we educate students across this nation! Parents and educators must stand united and face the challenges together!

Our nation and our world will be a better place as we coordinate, plan and prepare for an unprecedented year in education!

References Blade, E. (2020, May 4). COVID-19: Report Offers 'Blueprint' for Reopening Schools and Beyond. Retrieved August 7, 2020 from https://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2020/05/covid19-reopen-schools-aei.html Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preparing K-12 School Administrators for a Safe Return to School in Fall 2020. Retrieved August 7, 2020, from https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019ncov/community/schools-childcare/prepare-safe-return.html

She is the author of School Smart: It’s More than Just Reading and Writing and her soon to be released devotional entitled fearLESS- A 21-day journey.

Village Talk can be heard on Facebook, YouTube, Spreaker, and Spotify.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 V&P MAGAZINE | 12

V&P Inspiring Our Community Podcast Special dedication to Donna Harris and Krystal Glenn

A V&P Media Production www.vandpmagazine.com

19

Photos courtesy of Darian Cole

Feed My Sheep Ministries A Positive Force In Our Community

By Karen McConnell-Jones Meet Executive Director of Feed My Sheep Ministries, Darian Cole. He is also a Young Professional, Businessman, and a Minister, all at the age of twentysix. Who says you can’t wear many hats and be exceptional at them all? Yes, it comes with great honor to introduce Darian’s story to our readers. This is a story that every young BLACK MAN can be proud of.

Darian Cole is a native of Washington, D.C., and currently he is the Executive Director of Feed My Sheep Ministries, Incorporated which is a non-profit organization founded over 50 years ago by his grandmother, Mrs. Amanda Jones. He is also CoOwner of a development and investment company called New Jeru, LLC. He was ordained as a minister in February 2019 and in the same year he started a talk show called “The Cross Talk Show.” Darian has truly taken all of his gifts and skill sets to be a positive force in his community.

In His Own Words “It sounds nice to say all of this now about what I have accomplished, but in the beginning, before I was blessed to be in this position that I am in today,

I was in a mindset of confusion, frustration, hatred, hurt, and loneliness”, said Darian. “I come from very humble beginnings.

Not really having a relationship with my father nor my mother for many different reasons, (I am proud to say that my mother and I have a positive relationship now). Yet, recalling the hurt I felt when I lost my father to gun violence, I was only in the ninth grade and the most ironic thing about this story is when I learned of my father’s death that morning before going to school I had just written a poem about him (Darian Cole Sr.) the night before as part of my English homework assignment.

So, while I was writing about my father, someone was taking his life that very same night. After learning of this I still had the need to go to school, remembering the last conversation that I had with my father telling me to stay in school, so to school I went.

Business & Entrepreneurship Now, let’s fast forward the story to when I got caught up and got myself kicked out of school. The one thing my father told me to do was to stay in school and now I allowed myself to get in a situation that not only got me kicked out of school but could have taken my whole future from me. I’d gotten into an altercation, where I attempted to seriously cause bodily harm to this person for pushing up on my ex-girlfriend, who I was engaged to at the time. Being young and hot-headed got me kicked out of college and in court on my birthday. God was with me that day because I didn’t have to face the judge and all the charges against me were dismissed. Now here I am on my way home in debt with no college degree, no job, and no vision of where I saw myself in the future. Yet, all I had was God’s grace and mercy upon me, along with those seeds that my grandparents had instilled in me while raising me as a young boy. Truly, this was my light at the end of the tunnel.

After much healing, forgiving, and adjusting from that situation, my grandmother had a meeting with me and told me that God said that I needed to run Feed My Sheep Ministries, this was in 2015. When I became the new Executive Director, I pushed Outreach and Evangelism programs through the ministry and it was a big hit. We pushed it so hard, an annual event was created called “Church In The Park.” This is the event where we go to the most underserved communities in Washington, D.C. and provide free food, clothing, haircuts, blessing bags, health screenings, and job resources. Also, we have a church service where there is live gospel music from local gospel artists, praise dancers, mimes, and most importantly, a Word from God from a local pastor that we invite to speak. From the time that we started ‘Church in the Park’ in 2016 to now, we have fed over 5,000 people and over 30 of them have given their lives to Jesus Christ. Also, under my leadership, we have healed the sick, provided shelter for formerly incarcerated and homeless people, saved women from domestic violence, created food pantries within many churches, helped people out of jail, built a community outreach coalition, and so much more. I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have been able to do anything without my family or the brothers and sisters in Christ that God blessed me with. I have seen some great miracles happen, when I truly decided to follow God, to understand what I am supposed to do here on earth.

DC: Now, I know I said a lot and you haven’t even asked me your first question but I was compelled to give my back story first and to show through the grace of God, my life has come full circle. Praise God! KMJ: No, I thank you for sharing and being so transparent. I know your story will be a blessing for someone out there that may feel like they are all alone and need a little hope. Your story can be the reason why they can believe again. With that being said, I will only ask a few more questions to sum up such a beautiful story.

You mentioned that your grandparents (Reginald & Amanda Jones) planted those seeds in you and we can definitely tell those spiritual seeds were truly planted. So, what are the greatest lessons that you hold near and dear to your heart today?

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DC: The one thing my grandparents taught me, and continues to follow is to never compromise who I am just to fit in where I don’t belong. Stand out to be different and let it be known that I don’t move or think like the average person and to pray before I act.

KMJ: Darian Cole, as a young professional, what is your role out here today, and as a young minister what is your role in our community?

DC: As a young professional, I am committed to showing and teaching youth and young adults that no matter what they go through in life and no matter how goals and visions may seem to be impossible to reach, nothing is too hard as long as they become focused on where they want to see themselves years later. I would tell them to do what must be done to become better and honorable. I would tell them to hone their skills by letting nothing and no one hold them back from their true potential or their identity and self-worth.

Make no excuses and honor the struggle! Success tastes great when you’ve worked hard for it. As a young minister, I am pushed by God to do His will in my life by showing and explaining the love that Jesus has for me. My job as a minister is simple. Honor the great commandment of Jesus Christ, preach and teach the Word of God, evangelize in my community, and lead lost souls to Christ by showing them by example and explaining how to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.

KMJ: What is next for Darian Cole and the expansion of the organization?

DC: Only God knows what is next for me. I have told God many of my new plans and none of them has happened yet. I just want to be in peace knowing that I am doing God’s will by serving the best way I can. I am waiting on God’s direction and wisdom. As far as Feed My Sheep, there is so much more that needs to be done within our community. Therefore, we anticipate purchasing property to accommodate transitional housing for returning citizens, safe havens for victims of domestic violence, facilities that provide training for those seeking employment, and to provide more social outreach programs. As always, our main objective is leading more people to Jesus Christ. All I know is that we will continue to show love and build more faith to complete what is needed in the communities that we will serve.

KMJ: Amen young man! Amen! You are a true testament that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Philippians 4:13).

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Business & Entrpreneurship

A PLAN OF ACTION

By Donna Harris What is your plan of action or will you simply let the year go by?

As I stated during the virtual Vision & Purpose Lifestyle Magazine’s release party for the July/August issue, our financial position and outlook is as unique as our physical makeup. There is no one solution that fits all. Whether you are in dire straits over personal or business finances, seek professional guidance.

At this point, you are probably saying, I am already strapped.

Why should I acquire an additional expense? Or more the case, how can I find the funds to pay for a professional service? Do not be discouraged!

Often, professionals will offer the first consultation for free.

You read it right, F – R – E – E! Presently, conversations between the Democratic and Republican leaders of the House and Senate continues.

Most of both parties agree on a second stimulus check - $1200.

As the debate continues, while we are contemplating how this second stimulus check will best be used, why not revisit your dream to start up a business venture?

If you already have a business and your business has been impacted by the current pandemic induced economic crisis or if you are just like the countless number of people who are simply trying to survive, hold on! Until we know for sure what the final stimulus bill will bring, there are available resources to help you through your financial crisis.

Do understand, you should always perform your due diligence no matter the situation, to validate the person or company that you will be relying on for guidance. As stated in my previous articles (March/April and May/June issues), just as you are interviewed for employment positions, you should interview the expert whom you are considering entrusting your hard-earned money. Contact the Local and State governing agencies to validate the experts credentials and whether he or she is in “good standing”. Prior to your consultation with any prospective professional, have your questions prepared ahead of time. This will keep the focus on what you want to accomplish during your initial consultation.

If you are searching for a Tax Preparer, verify the Tax Preparer’s credentials by using the IRS Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers. Also, validate

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the Tax Preparer’s license status in the State where he or she resides. A paid Tax Preparer must sign returns and include their Preparer Tax Identification Number (PTIN). It is the law!

For those who still have not received the first stimulus check that you were entitled to receive under the Cares Act passed in March, the IRS free app called “Get My Payment” may be able to assist you.

If you were not required to file a federal income tax return in 2018 or 2019, by completing a “non-filer” form (go to www.irs.gov) you will be able to receive your stimulus check this year. If you are unable to get access to the IRS site, please do not hesitate to contact a Tax Preparer to assist you with this important matter. If the IRS does not receive the non-filer form – which requires you to include your banking information on it,

by October 15th 2020 deadline, you will have to file a 2020 tax return (due April 15th 2021) to receive the first round Cares Act stimulus check – aka Economic Impact Payment in 2021. Do note, IRS plans to issue all payments before December 31, 2020 deadline in the Cares Act. So do not delay, if you want to receive your stimulus check by the end of 2020, act now!

Prior to the release of the September/October issue of V&P Magazine, there were two announcements made by the IRS. The IRS announced that taxpayers will receive interest for their refunds issued on their 2019 tax return, provided that the return was filed by the July 15th, 2020 deadline. Payments will be issued via direct deposit if the refund issued was processed as direct deposit. The interest payment will be mailed if the refund was not processed as a direct deposit.

Please note that the IRS will issue a 1099-INT for the 2020 tax return year. If the interest payment is at least $10, the payment is taxable.

Another announcement made by the IRS pertains to the Social Security tax withholdings. Beginning September 1, 2020 and ending December 31, 2020, employee taxable wages that are less than $4000 during a bi-weekly pay period will have withholdings deferred. There will be no deferral of taxable wages paid to an employee whose taxable wages are $4000 and above for a bi-weekly pay period.

Do note that come the tax deadline of April 15, 2021, the deferred payments will be due! This could very well generate a tax liability. My advice is this, consult with your Tax Preparer as to the action you should take to avoid owing taxes.

In the upcoming issues of V&P Lifestyle Magazine, see how some Entrepreneurs that have put their plans into action made their dreams materialize. In some cases, the start of an entrepreneurship was borne out of the need to secure the financial welfare of their respective families. While others simply had the tenacity to be independent, not having to work a 9 – 5 job where someone else calls the shots and having control over their valuable time. After all, life is so much more than just being about the “job”, especially, if you are not happy with what your current position is all about. In other words, we owe it to ourselves to not just settle for being content. You will also see how by simply perfecting a hobby, you can turn it into an income generating tool. Now how satisfying is that, turning an enjoyable pastime into revenue. That beats a career path in my books! Do not get this writer wrong, I am all about climbing the Corporate ladder, but if that plateau still does not result in satisfaction, do something different. And as the lyrics say, as sung by Irene Cara, “take your passion and make it happen”!

If you are experiencing financial difficulties and you are pondering over which direction to take or are uncertain of what your next step should be, where to turn, who to ask for assistance, even how to find assistance during these conflicting times, let me hear from you. I would like to address (your financial and/or tax) concerns that are relative to you, our Readers, in our future issues of V&P. Your name and/or company will remain anonymous. I do ask that in your contact information, you provide me with your name and business type, if applicable. But also, give yourself and/or your business a code name. This will enable you to recognize that the article is addressing your specific concern(s) while possibly helping others in similar circumstances. On the subject line of your email, enter “Tax Matters”.

Procrastination will not advance the ball. Let us get moving!

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Health & Wellness

Exercise and Stress

By Candice Camille Exercise may not be the most exciting word in your vocabulary, but it sure has a lot of benefits.

Participating in daily exercise not only makes us healthier in general, but it can also diminish the effects of stress on our bodies as well.

How many times have you heard someone proclaim, “The doctor says its stress”. We occasionally laugh it off, concluding that’s just what doctors say when they don’t know the real answer or diagnosis. But the truth of the matter is that too much stress plays a role in many chronic diseases.

To increase your immune system and decrease your stress levels, try some daily exercise. Movement is medicine. Bend, stretch, walk, or run, there’s no need to buy expensive equipment. You have everything you need to implement more movement into your daily routine and reap the benefits.

If you’re keen on aerobic exercise, grab a partner, and have a blast with one of the basic online videos.

Or simply go out for a walk and enjoy spending time together. You’ve heard it dozens of times –walking really is the best overall exercise for your heart. As you’re going throughout your daily activities, make it a point to walk a little further. While sitting, do some simple stretches for your neck and shoulders. By making it a point to move more throughout the day, you boost your body’s immunity and stay healthier in general. There’s no reason to allow stressful situations to take a toll on your health.

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Give yourself choices; a choice point is a change point. When the decision is made, be ready for the change. “Lord, grant me the strength to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”

Be creative, find compromises, refrain from problems, and look for solutions that create win-win outcomes. Stress affects the whole body. It can make a smart person do stupid things. While many of us resort to medications and doctor treatments when we’re seeking ways to overcome stress, you can work toward relieving your own stress without medication by simply engaging yourself in activities that bring you peace, comfort, and relief. There are many simple actions that you can take to relieve these symptoms.

My 10 point Stress Reduction Plan 1. Learn to Relax: Be still, take deep breaths to reenergize and invigorate your soul.

2. Take Action on Stress: Create a “DO IT NOW” mentality.

3. Speak to someone: A problem shared is a problem cut in half, it’s good to talk.

4. Change the Dynamic of Your Situation: Don’t be afraid to say NO. 5. Time Management: Be organized and prepare for the coming day, the night before .

Health & Wellness 6. Life Management: Life only comes once, it's quite short. Learn to live one day at a time and take each day as you find it. My motto “yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, BUT today is usable currency” Enjoy the moments!

7. Exercise: It combats many of the physical and emotional symptoms of stress and can make you feel better about yourself.

Exercise can bring about improvements in self-esteem and self-image and increase confidence.

8. Meditate: Meditation brings an abundance of calm into your life.

9. Eat Well: Food is a celebration of life. Take time to enjoy your meals and look after your health by eating healthy balanced meals.

10. Sleep Well: Take a hot bath in the evening to relieve the tension in your body before going to bed and ensure that you get enough sleep.

Remember to trust that you’ve got the faith, courage, strength, skill, and support to overcome anything.

Join The Movement www.thewhatnowmovement.com

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Health & Wellness

I Agreed!

By Kyonna F. Brown

I agreed with what they said about my looks. You are too dark to be pretty. I agreed with the names they called me as an overweight kid. I agreed with how they said I should not express my feelings. How many times have you agreed with others' perceptions of you? In our youth, we were taught from our environments how we should behave, how we should look and evaluate ourselves. Many of those agreements we made in our youth affected who we have become today and even more it affects the way we think and survive today.

Some of those agreements have led to depression, overeating, alcoholism, and failure in professional careers. You might ask, have I agreed with others' choices for my life? Well, we all have and have even placed limits on ourselves because of fear. How do you break the agreements? Building confidence in who you are, your gifts, and your talents can help break the cycle of others' views of how you should live and operate your life. Start by setting aside time to enrich yourself with motivation in the area of doubt. Face your challenges head-on. Think positively, kill negative thoughts, set and accomplish small goals.

Sure, these tasks seem like a walk in the park, but the work only happens if you truly want to change and apply yourself. If you are not a person who can stick with goals, therapists, coaches, and even groups in your desired area of growth can be the catalyst for change.

Today I have made a new set of agreements about me. I am dark and beautiful, my weight does not define me, I express my feelings and my career goals are limitless. We must be responsible for our lives. We do that by responding to the changes we need to make in our lives, which will help our minds and total health heal. I have made a new agreement. How about you?

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"

Health & Wellness

THE NEED FOR HEALTHY CHILDHOOD NUTRITION

By Jason Greene

Residing in a country with a rampant child obesity rate, the need for healthy childhood nutrition is vital for a child to have a long, prosperous, healthy life. Childhood obesity has become a serious health threat to children of all ages. Kids in the obese category have surpassed simply being overweight and are at risk for several chronic health conditions.

Poor health stemming from childhood obesity can continue into adulthood. Children who have a body mass index (BMI) at the same level or higher than 95 percent of their peers are obese. BMI is a tool used to determine your “weight status.” BMI is calculated using your height and weight. Your BMI percentile (where your BMI value falls in relation to other people) is then determined using your gender and age. Family history, psychological factors, and lifestyle all play a role in childhood obesity. Children whose parents or other family members are overweight or obese are more likely to follow suit. But the main cause of childhood obesity is a combination of eating too much and exercising too little especially due to today’s video game industry.

Fast food, candy, and soft drinks are common culprits. The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) reports that 32 percent of adolescent girls and 52 percent of adolescent boys in the United States drink 24 - 48 ounces of soda or more per day. Convenience foods, such as frozen dinners, salty snacks, and canned pasta, can also contribute to unhealthy weight gain.

Some children become obese because their parents do not know how to choose or prepare healthy foods. Other families may not be able to easily afford fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats especially with the current status of the nation.

A poor diet containing high levels of fat or sugar and few nutrients can cause kids to gain weight quickly.

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Ideally, instilling healthy eating regimens at an early age can ultimately curve childhood obesity.

Toddlers are very curious eaters and at that age, they eat just about anything so this would be the time to get that regimen started. Providing small portions of diced fruits such as apples, pears, or peaches in 100 percent fruit juice or water at snack time instead of actual processed snacks would be best. Toddlers snack a lot which makes snacking some of the most important meals of the day for them. Understanding that children have small stomachs, keep the toddler’s portion size small, and gradually increase the portions as they age and become more active.

Changing the eating habits of obese children is essential as well. Parental influence shapes your child’s eating patterns. Most kids eat what their parents buy, so healthy eating needs to start with you. Start your nutrition overhaul by limiting sweets and soft drinks in your home. Even drinks made from 100-percent juice can be high in calories.

Instead, serve water and lower-fat or nonfat milk with meals. Cut back your fast food consumption and make a conscious effort to cook more. Preparing a meal and eating together is not only healthy in a nutritional sense, but it is also an excellent way to sneak in some family time. Center your meals and snacks around fresh foods instead of processed items, baked goods, or salty snacks. Examples would be fresh fruits such as melons, berries, apples, and oranges; iron-rich vegetables such as spinach and kale; lean proteins such as chicken and fish (salmon); whole grains such as brown rice, whole-wheat pasta and whole-grain bread; and low-fat dairies like skim milk, low-fat plain yogurt, and low-fat cheese. Sandwiches are a great meal for children as well, this way you can provide multiple nutrients in one meal such as whole grain wheat bread, sliced oven-roasted chicken or turkey breast, lettuce, tomato, and pickle with a fresh fruit snack on the side (NO POTATO CHIPS). Perfect!

The children are STILL our future so why put them in a compromising situation for their adulthood when small measures can be made at an early age that would have so many lasting positive effects. Most adults argue that there is not enough time in a day which is why fast food and the dollar menu is the number one food choice of today’s youth. We must change this overall perspective to a more nutritional healthy one to get a handle on this raging ongoing battle of Childhood Obesity.

The choice is yours!

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Photo by Dominique Massaquoi and Michael Atcherson

From the Founders

By Karen McConnell-Jones and Dr. Sharon H. Porter

The 2NCs

Kamala Harris... A Lady of Howard University As we waited and watched, the whole world was anticipating the Democratic presidential nominee’s nomination choice for vice president. For months, we knew that Joe Biden's choice would be a woman. The predictions were in!

Everyone was weighing in on who they thought Biden would choose. Names such as Governor Gretchen Whitmer of Michigan, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Representative Karen Bass, Mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms, Stacey Abrams, former minority leader in the Georgia House of Representatives, on down the list to Susan Rice, the former National Security Advisor to President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017.

After months of speculation, Joe Biden’s nominee is...drum roll, please... Kamala Harris, attorney and a United States Senator of California! Wow! Biden’s running mate has been announced and the political world has been running high from Biden’s choice. Kamala, as a woman of Afro-Indian descent, a graduate of Howard University, an HBCU (Historically Black College and University), and a member of a Black Greek Letter Organization (BGLO), has raised the bar for the vice president seat. This has been the most talked-about duo to run this race for United States president and vice president. Reuters reported that forty-eight hours after Biden announced his Vice-President selection, his campaign raised $48 million. Graduates of HBCUs and members of Black Greek Letter Organizations immediately began setting up campaign donations. Many donated according to the year their HBCU or BGLO was founded on a weekly basis. Ironically, it has not just been graduates of Howard University or only members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc, the organization of which Kamala is a member. It has been graduates of all HBCUs and members of all BGLOs, uniting for a cause, uniting to support Kamala Harris as vice president.

V&P Magazine is headquartered in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. It was only logical to head to Howard University, where Kamala Harris graduated in 1986 with a degree in political science and economics. We had an opportunity to talk with the Ladies of Howard University, (LOHU) which started as a Facebook group. The online community, with close to 10,000 members, now focuses on raising scholarship funds for students of Howard University. Group creator, Cam Franklin, Howard University alumna, Class of 1991, shared that The Ladies of Howard University (LOHU) is an inclusive online community of Howard University alumni and students of all ages founded in March 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders. She was inspired by another online community of women her daughter belonged to and thought she would create a group of her own little circle of Howard friends.

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Photo by Dominique Massaquoi and Micheal Atcherson

The community quickly grew to 9,000 members, so

Franklin received a full academic scholarship while

she pulled in a small group of her Howard friends

at Howard, and that was the foundation for her own

(Danielle, Joya, Michelle, and Cheryl) to be

unique Howard experience. “It allowed me to excel

administrators of the group, and after six months

in my studies without any financial pressure. I was

they now manage a group approaching 10,000

able to take advanced Italian language classes at

members. The synergy among the admin team and

Georgetown University and study abroad for a year

within the group is truly something special. She

in Italy, all covered by my scholarship (and some

believes the group grew to be so large so quickly

additional funding from the Italian government).”

because it resonated with women at a time where

She knew that she wanted to be able to leverage the

we were all looking for ways to stay connected

collective power of the group to pay it forward to

despite being physically separated. Franklin also

the next generation of young women on campus.

added that LOHU has served as a source of

Franklin and the group administrators worked with

celebration, motivation, and inspiration over the

university officials for several months to establish

last six months. "Ladies of Howard University are

the Ladies of Howard University Scholarship Fund.

making our mark in every field of human endeavor, we’re leading the battle against COVID-19, taking care of our families, supporting our brothers on the front lines of the Black Lives Matter movement, and we’re working to turn the social and political tide in this country."

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During the first fundraising campaign two online

semester. Franklin also added that "with the

benefit concerts were held and LOHU

passing of our Bison Brother Chadwick Boseman,

commissioned an exclusive, limited edition shirt to

we’re also looking for ways to honor him and his

be designed for the group by one of the many

life’s work." Franklin’s biggest hope for the group is

talented group members, Remitha Lynn. A portion

that it will continue to inspire and support the

of the proceeds from shirt sales were donated to

members and fund scholarships for generations of

the scholarship fund. The Ladies of Howard were

Ladies of Howard to come!

able to raise $7,000 from proceeds from the shirt and another $18,000 from the benefit concerts and

We also spoke with Demetria Edwards, an active

a competitive fundraising campaign inside and

member of the group and an Arkansas attorney.

outside of the group to see which decade of

She assisted in galvanizing the Ladies of Howard

graduates could raise the most money! “Shout out

University online community in a campaign to

to my classmates from the 1990s!” One of the

request that Jeff Bezos remove offensive T-Shirts

things she is most impressed by is that it was truly

that especially denigrated Vice-Presidential

a grassroots effort. Other than the donation of the

Candidate, Senator Kamala Harris. As a result of

proceeds from the shirt, no individual donation was

their efforts, those products were removed from

more than $500.

Amazon’s website. These efforts were covered on cnn.com’s business division. The story can be found

The LOHU scholarship will provide support to HU

via the link below.

ladies who are excelling academically and engaged

https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/19/tech/amazon-

in their community and on campus. The first two

removes-anti-biden-products/index.html

scholarships will be awarded in the Spring 2021

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2020 V&P MAGAZINE | 28

Photo by Dominique Massaquoi and Micheal Atcherson

Tribute to Fellow Bison Chadwick Boseman

Photo by Dominique Massaquoi and Micheal Atcherson Photo by Dominique Massaquoi and Micheal Atcherson Edwards goes on to say, “In efforts to close the mouth of injustices and shatter the glass ceiling of utter disregard in this nation, we, as the Ladies of Howard University (LOHU) believe that it is time for us to truly Arise in efforts to open the doors to equal access, equal representation and equal opportunities. These efforts begin with encouraging and empowering others, including qualified, formerlyincarcerated persons, to vote.” She is planning to participate in voting registration efforts in Arkansas, including but not limited to, assisting qualified, formerly incarcerated persons in becoming registered voters.

Edwards has committed to participating in any LOHU related voter registration efforts as well.

While we are just a little less than two months from the November 3rd elections, many are vocalizing their thoughts on the Biden-Harris ticket. Some are saying that Biden and Harris will make a great pair and that Harris is tough but fair. In our opinion, this is exactly what Biden needed as a running mate. Even so, the press and others have brought up her toughness against Biden during a debate back in June 2019. Harris was indeed one of Biden’s biggest opponents during the Democratic presidential nominee debates.

Nevertheless, they both have stated that they have great respect for one another and have moved on past that time.

And let the record show, so should we. Biden called her “a fearless fighter for the little guy, one of the country’s finest public servants."

Kamala Harris was the Commencement Speaker for the 2017 graduating class of Howard University. She challenged the graduates to forge ahead. Her words… “ Howard taught me, as it has taught you, that you can do anything and you can do everything”... Kamala Harris brought those words to life as she accepted the Democratic vice-presidential nomination on August 19, 2020.

It has been asked, can Biden win with a woman vice president? Better yet with a woman of color? But on the other hand, some see it as Biden made history with an African- American man when Barack Obama chose him to be his vice president and now he has a chance to make history once again.

Let’s be real here, would Biden be getting this much attention and scrutiny if his running mate was a male and to be more specific a white male?

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Ladies of Howard University

Yes, Kamala is an African American woman candidate running for United States Vice President and yes she has all eyes on her however; let’s not lose sight of the hard work that she has done to serve her country and her community thus far. Statistics show that since 1984, it has been reported that women have turned out to vote at a slightly higher rate than men. Ironically, there are more men politicians holding office than there are women. The record shows that in the past two years we have seen more women candidates running for office than ever before.

It has now been declared that we are in a time of “Women and Democracy”.

But more importantly, we are in a time where our vote is important; especially now more than ever. We are in a voting cycle that we have never seen before with COVID-19 upon us and rearing its ugly head.

We are truly experiencing unique circumstances related to how the candidates are campaigning as well as how voting will be done in this presidential election. But we must still find a way to push past the limitations and get out the vote.

Let us end with this, as we say at V&P if you want your voice to be heard then let your VOTE be your VOICE! Now, let’s go get it done!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

V&P CHOICES OF THE MONTH FOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER September: National Childhood Obesity Month, about 1 in 5 (19 %) children in the United States has obesity. Certain groups of children are more affected than others. National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month provides a chance for all of us to learn more about this serious health condition. While there is no simple solution, there are many ways communities can support children with their journey to good health. Yellow is the ribbon color for Childhood Obesity Month.

September: National Recovery Month, Every September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who have recovered. Turquoise is the ribbon color for Recovery Month.

October: Breast Cancer Awareness Month, marked in countries across the world every October, helps to increase attention and support for the awareness, early detection and treatment as well as palliative care of this disease. There are about 1.38 million new cases and 458,000 deaths from breast cancer each year (IARC Globocan, 2008). Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in women worldwide, both in the developed and developing countries. In low- and middle-income countries the incidence has been rising steadily in the last years due to increase in life expectancy, increased urbanization and adoption of western lifestyles. Pink is the ribbon color for Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

October: National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, October was first declared as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month in 1989. Since then, October has been a time to acknowledge domestic violence survivors and be a voice for its victims.

Domestic violence is prevalent in every community, and affects all people regardless of age, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, race, religion, or nationality. Physical violence is often accompanied by emotionally abusive and controlling behavior as part of a much larger, systematic pattern of dominance and control. Purple is the ribbon color for Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

October: World Mental Health Day, is observed on October 10th every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health. Green is the ribbon color for Mental Health Day. October: National Bullying Prevention Month, a month-long event to prevent childhood bullying and promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion.

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SEPTEMBER 2020 Days:

5th International Day of Charity 7th Labor Day (United States) 8th International Literacy Day 10th World Suicide Prevention Day 13th World Sepsis Day 15th International Day of Democracy 21st International Day of Peace 22nd World Rhino Day 27th World Tourism Day 28th World Rabies Day 29th World Rivers Day 29th World Heart Day Month Long Awareness: National Childhood Obesity Month National Recovery Month World Alzheimer’s Month Biodiversity Month Healthy Aging Month World Sepsis Month Leukemia and Lymphoma Awareness Month

OCTOBER 2020 Days:

1st International Day of Older Persons 2nd International Day of Nonviolence 4th World Animal Day 5th World Teachers’ Day 6th World Cerebral Palsy Day 7th World Habitat Day 8th World Sight Day 9th World Post Day 10th World Mental Health Day 10th World Homeless Day 11th International Day of the Girl Child 12th Indigenous Peoples’ Day / Columbus Day (United States) 12th World Arthritis Day 15th International Day of Rural Women 16th World Food Day 16th Global Cat Day 17th International Day for the Eradication of Poverty 18th World Values Day 24th United Nations Day 27th World Day of Audiovisual Heritage 29th World Internet Day 31st World Cities Day Month Long Awareness: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month Cyber Security Month Down Syndrome Awareness Month (United States) Energy Awareness Month (United States) Hunger Awareness Month (United States) Learning Disabilities Awareness Month (United States) LGBT History Month (United States)SIDS Awareness Month (United States) National Bullying Prevention Month

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Authors Speak

The Strength of Our Anchors Meet Author

Dawn Marie Bornheimer

By Dr. Sharon H. Porter Dawn Marie Bornheimer is a published author and industry leader with a unique combination of interpersonal communication skills and partnership development with a focus on education and social impact.

In her 18 years of professional experience she has worked at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in their Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program. She taught for five years in the Baltimore City Public School System, and facilitated business development initiatives for Kaplan Test Prep, Capella University, and NYU Langone Health. Joining the Kognito Team in March of 2019, Dawn serves as the Regional Director of Education Partnerships overseeing clients in both PK-12 and Higher Education.

5 Reader Take-Aways NUMBER 1 When someone is willing to be vulnerable and share their story, they give others permission to do the same.

NUMBER 2 Some of the most courageous moments and biggest lessons come from pushing through fear and surrendering.

NUMBER 3 We will find evidence to support our thoughts so be sure to watch the words you say to yourself.

NUMBER 4 Asking for help is a sign of strength ; we are not meant to navigate life on our own.

NUMBER 5

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When you realize that happiness is an inside job you will begin to attract healthier relationships because you will no longer lower your standards.

http://productsbylizzie.com?aff=62

Photos Courtesy of Angela A. Pleasants

TRAVEL & REAL ESTATE

Legacy of Freedom: The Fight of My Ancestors

BY ANGELA A. PLEASANTS

I am Togolese, Irish, British, South African, and a descendant from the Zulu Clan. Being a warrior is in my blood. In February of 2019, I felt the call of God and my ancestors to travel to Montgomery and Selma, Alabama. It was my Legacy of Freedom.

As I began my Legacy of Freedom trip, I was excited and not sure what to expect.

I was entering the birthplace of a great evil that stormed the plains of our country. An evil called slavery of the African people. But it was also the birthplace of a great movement that graced the hearts of many, the Civil Rights Movement. Our country’s hands are stained with blood that will forever be a part of our fabric. And the blood is rising to tell its story.

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The story is not words but lives being lived out years later through people like me and others. At first, I didn’t know why God led me to make this trip. Why would God want me to see a place where when I walked into the Museum of Peace and Justice, I had to step onto the very warehouse floor where countless slaves were housed? At least, those who survived the cramped voyage over. Or the ones who were able to walk on the shores instead of jumping, choosing a watery grave rather than the slave master’s whip. Yes, my feet stood on the very spot where these poor souls stood and waited for their fate.

I stood by a beautiful water fountain in Market Square downtown Montgomery. Instead of the flowing fountain, I could only see what was once there. The fountain was the auction block where mothers, fathers, boys, and girls stood as they were auctioned off like they were nothing but animals. I listened in the stillness and could almost hear the deep groan of a mother’s pain as her child was sold like cattle.

God, what do you want me to know as I stand here reflecting? What is this feeling inside me? Why did you call me to walk among the 5,000 names at the Peace and Justice Museum, representing countless men, women, children who were lynched across this blood-stained country? Why am I standing on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, named after the grand dragon of the Klu Klux Klan?

I smile, for God gave me my answer. I rise. As the whip of the slave master could not keep my ancestors down, because they knew freedom would come one day. I rise! Because I too see freedom. God has given me a warrior’s spirit of my Zulu ancestors. God has given me the prophetic call, and wherever I go, I will rise and let freedom ring. That is what this Legacy of Freedom ride meant to me.

Recently, we lost a great civil rights giant who, too, walked the Edmund Pettus bridge along with many others, marching for the right to vote. On March 7, 1965, then activist and later Congressman John Lewis led many across this bridge to be confronted in a brutal attack. When I walked the bridge, I stopped in the middle closed my eyes, and tried to imagine the same sight they saw waiting for them. Of course, I opened my eyes to an empty street, but what they saw was more than a line of men who came to a stop them. When John Lewis and others walked that bridge, they saw mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers, standing in lines voting. They had the vision and fought hard to see the vision become a reality. These are the shoulders I and many others stand. So, stand strong and make “good trouble.”

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All Things Fashion

WHAT IS YOUR ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION?

By Tony Turner What is your electromagnetic radiation?

In other words, what is your color? Did you know we see color because this is how our brains measure the electromagnetic radiation of light waves? The surface of an object can bend light to give off different shades of color. The color of our skin is derived from the amount of melanin in our skin. Melanin is The Creator's sunscreen. It helps to protect our body from harmful UV rays transmitted from the sun.

The closer you live to the equator, the more melanin your body will produce.

Our ancestors who are from Africa needed more melanin in their skin in order to be protected from the ultra violet rays. That melanin protects the skin cells from being damaged by the sun's radiation. That melanin also helps us to absorb Vitamin D and other helpful minerals, which help the body to function and build stronger bones. As our ancestors traveled further north and around the world, moving away from intense sunlight, their bodies produced less melanin. This is one of the reasons we have so many different shades of skin.

Colors can also have psychological effects on the brain, which means colors can also affect your mood.

Colors in nature help to identify the sex of a species, they help in creating camouflage, they can also serve as a warning sign, to persuade an action or attraction.

Colors seem to play a big part in the adaptation of The Universe. Color existed before humans were created.

Color exists in places and spaces mankind has never been or seen. There are colors one cannot see with the naked eye such as infrared light. Isn't that amazing? My favorite color is black. Black absorbs all light! It is very mysterious. It represents a creative process. A fear of the unknown or a fear of knowledge.

Black has been demonized. Terms like blackmail, blackout,black magic, and black people all have been used to characterize something evil or vile. Interesting isn't it? Even in a negative light white is seen as less evil, white collar crimes, little white lie, white wash. We are taught white is purity and black is soiled.

Why do we hate the soil? In doing my research, I Googled the word soil. Before the definition of the word appeared, ads popped up offering shopping tools for purchase. The proof that soil is very valuable and profitable. According to Wikipedia, soil is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life. Earth's body of soil, called the pedosphere, has four important functions: as a medium for plant growth as a means of water storage, supply and purification as a modifier of Earth's atmosphere as a habitat for organisms All of these functions, in their turn, modify the soil and its properties; which brings me back to black being labeled soiled; dirty, impure, worthless, and unclean.

The foundation of real estate is soil. In fact, real estate is one of the most valuable things one can acquire in the human experience. Man fights, steals, kills and purchases it, some inherit it. Darkness is what makes light so special!

Welcome to the beautiful and turbulent world of color, where The Most High chooses the value of a hue, not arrogant me or you. To see color is a blessing. Use all the colors in your crayon box. It is our celebration of life called ART!

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All Things Fashion

C O L O R (HAIR COLOR)

By Martina Turner

Seasons are changing and Fall is here. It's time to pull out your Fall wardrobe and try a new hairstyle or color. When you look good, you feel good. What is your fashion and new look for Fall 2020?

It's all about color. Fall is a great time to try a new hair color. Color is a form of light energy. You can create a new fashion trend or just express yourself through color.

Hair color is fun and adventurous. You have so many different colors to choose from. Your primary colors are blue, red and yellow to your secondary colors orange, green and violet. An artistic combination of primary and secondary colors can create some of the most beautiful shades and tones of color, from warm tones of auburn, copper and honey, to cool tones of ash, smoky or platinum.There is so much depth of color.The tone and intensity of a color can range from mild, medium, or strong.The intensity of red shades can create a vibrant strawberry blonde to copper brown or a luminous bright orange. How bold and adventurous are you? Color can also be conservative to just covering your gray hair with a black or brown color, or accenting a haircut or style, to stepping out of your

If your hairstylist says yes, then you're ready for your new look. Make sure you keep up with your hair appointments. Hair maintenance is to be taken seriously and should be consistent. Deep conditioning protein treatments, ends trimmed to your color- retouch.

Consistency is key. If you will be maintaining your hair at home, also make sure you follow the same routine and keep your hair moisturized so your hair doesn't become dry and brittle which will cause breakage. Limit your use of heating tools to the hair structure.

Shampoo and condition, condition, condition! Make sure you use a sulfate and paraben free shampoo and conditioner, a good heat protectant and moisturizer.

comfort zone. Whatever color you choose, do your research and set up a consultation with your hairstylist.

Embrace your new look and color. It all begins with the foundation. First love your natural color and take care of it. A healthy foundation can unleash every color you

Talk to your hairstylist about which hair color

desire.

you decide.The health of your hair structure will dictate if you're ready for haircolor.

Healthy hair is always first.

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Performing Arts

VISUAL ARTS

BY SETH WASHINGTON

Visual art can powerfully reflect for the viewer, motifs regarding beauty and reality that are either present or that are possible.

In this edition of V&P Magazine's Performing Arts department, writer Seth Washington explores the realm of visual arts in three phases: 1. Overdue Recognition Art Gallery: Muse of the Community 2. Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center: Our Soul's Legacy 3. Stevie Gaymon, Photographer: Heart of the Artist We hope you enjoy the view!

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OVERDUE RECOGNITION ART GALLERY: MUSE OF THE COMMUNITY

By Seth Washington

Owners: Derrick and Jackie Thompson Photos by Dominique Massaquoi

Art is a very important resource for any community" contends Jackie Thompson, and she continues, "that's why I like to say that our gallery is your gallery." She, of course, is speaking of Overdue Recognition Art Gallery, located in the Bowie Towne Center, Bowie, MD. Jackie, along with her husband Derrick, own and operate the gallery, one of the Washington metropolitan area's most visually alluring retail spaces.

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"We distinguish ourselves by representing some of the most sought after African American artists in the country," says Thompson. Artists include Woodrow Nash, whose African Nouveau sculptures appeared in Beyonce's, Black Is King short film, and Charly Palmer's, In Her Eyes, commissioned for the cover of Time Magazine.

A print of Palmer's cover art has recently been claimed by one of Thompson's clients. "We are knowledgeable about African American art and take very seriously the responsibility of providing collectors both private and corporate with art that is high in aesthetic quality and strong in investment potential."

In this way, Thompson finds fulfillment,"The biggest reward is helping our collectors grow a collection that can help build their financial portfolio. For one thing, art is not correlated with the stock market, which means the value of art can go up when the stock market crashes, making it a good diversification of an investment portfolio." Thompson offers an example, "Woodrow Nash's sculptures have tripled in value over the last five years." That said, sales without a doubt, are important. Yet, in this gallery, education reigns supreme.

As entrepreneurs in Prince George’s County, MD, a key business and cultural component is, "educating the community about the importance of art, especially African American art. When we opened in 2004 the community was just buying art to decorate, but over the years that has changed. I know I'm having an impact when the children of our collectors recognize one of the pieces in the gallery that resembles one from their parent's collection...I love that!" noted Thompson.

The Thompson's journey in art has been one of faith, persistence, patience, and growth.

Specifically, she merged, little by little into her lane of visual arts. "Even as a young nurse who enjoyed her work I noticed older nurses who were still struggling and I knew there had to be something more." Some years later, "having worked for a time in the gallery at our previous location, I realized I would rather work 80 hours in the gallery as opposed to 40 hours working for someone else."

Between the period of closing the first location and opening the current one, Thompson returned to nursing, full-time. Even then, she vowed to stay true to her calling, "It excited me and started waking me up at night with ideas on how to start and grow the gallery."

A fifth-year workplace anniversary acknowledgment further enhanced her desire to reboot the gallery at a new location. With additional savings earned from a part-time position, Thompson did celebrate another year in nursing and instead returned, full-time, to healing the world with art.

Adding strength for the journey is the entrepreneurial wisdom and confidence possessed by her husband Derrick, who has maintained a tradition of working for himself through ownership of various small businesses. His only experience as an employee was early in life working for his father who was also an entrepreneur. From the depths of his personal commitment to constantly evolve has emerged a keen ability to valuate art and great effectiveness in distinguishing exceptional artwork from among the rest.

"Our vision is to continue to grow with the community, to have a venue for African American artists to showcase their excellence. We have many styles of work here, all done by African American artists. What's popular right now are the Civil Rights pieces like Charly Palmer's Ballot Box . Likewise, Cubism always seems to be of interest to collectors", shared Thompson.

Typically, the gallery hosts four major artists shows annually with the artists in attendance. Also, their scheduling includes lectures about collecting, children’s workshops, fundraisers, and auctions. Thompson, however, explained how social distancing requirements created the need for adjustments, "The pandemic, at first, worried us because we know people love the whole art gallery experience. But we have been staying in touch with our collectors through email, social media and recently we began doing Facebook Live art shows and tours."

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For Thompson, treasured moments at the gallery feature lively interactions with a customer, "who is not afraid to ask questions and who collects what they love. I also love when the children come in, their excitement about the art from seeing someone that looks like them." The nurse turned art purveyor blends well the colors of collecting, caring, and community upon the canvas of service excellence.

Jackie Thompson has kindly provided a couple of quick lists for the up and coming collector...

Things A First Time Collector Should Know 1. Research the artist you like / don't rush into things 2. Visit galleries around you / look at as much art as you can 3. Start to notice what you are drawn to 4. Work within your budget 5. Most of all, collect what you love / collect what moves you Seven Artists to Know (In Alphabetical Order) 1. Calvin Coleman 2. James Denmark 3. Paul Goodnight 4. Woodrow Nash 5. Charly Palmer 6. Deborah Shedrick 7. William Toliver

A Word About Framing In addition to being a premiere venue for African American visual art, Overdue Recognition Art Gallery, in Bowie MD has a reputation of being one the best art framers in the state of Maryland. Here's what you should know... "Custom framing has two functions. One, we call it, "The house for your art" which means that it protects and preserves the art. Two, it definitely enhances your art by being a tool to bring attention to the artwork".

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PRINCE GEORGE'S AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER: OUR SOULS LEGACY

By Seth Washington

Photo Courtesy of Jessica Smith Hebron taken by Jeffrey Hebron

Our Roots Are Revolutionary, the sign unapologetically declares. The bold words, in orange letters anchored by a tree, beckons travelers along this otherwise unassuming stretch of Rhode Island Avenue, in North Brentwood, Maryland. This town is the first incorporated African American city within Prince George’s County Maryland and the soul-affirming phrase speaks life from a green fence turned canvas immediately adjacent to the Prince George's African American Museum and Cultural Center (PGAAMCC).

Painted by Murifel Bermudez, who also is the museum's Marketing and Gallery Coordinator, the sign, in conjunction with other exterior icons, such as the logo along with, a majestic mural created by Alexandre Keto, collectively manifest a poignant headsup about the significance of both this building and these times.

Jessica Smith Hebron, the museum's Interim Executive Director and, herself, a woman of Prince Georges, acknowledges that it is, "amazing to be working at a Black history museum during a revolution" adding how "some museums like ours weren't around for the 1960s Civil Rights". Amidst a worldwide quarantine and social justice protests, she acknowledges that it "is a meaningful and important time" regarding the programs that the museum provides.

The PGAAMCC, led by Smith Hebron, her staff, and a supportive board, is now in its eleventh year and continues to honor the rich African American legacies of overcoming, diligence, unity, and that certain something known as Black culture. Due to the pandemic, the museum is closed for visitors. As such, it’s programs are best enjoyed virtually, through the museum's website.

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Photo by Dominique Massaquoi

Photo Courtesy of Jesscia Smith Hebron taken by Marifel Bermudez

A good place to begin a tour would be the most authentic Prince George’s story entitled, The Footsteps of North Brentwood.

The online exhibit echos the essence of community empowerment that prevailed in this historic Black haven. With informative text and emotive black and white photos, this video reveals the virtues of a healthy community, in its heyday, unified through work ethic, education, self-policing, respect for elders, faith, and religion, along with, a

bustling nightlife.The genuine and more extensive version of the 'Footsteps' exhibit, donated in 2010 by the Smithsonian Anacostia Museum, remains on display in the front gallery of the PGAAMCC, ready for visitors to engage once the period of social distancing has concluded.

In the interim, the website remains a well-recommended treasure of enlightenment. Gabriel Greaves, the museum's Programs Coordinator together with Smith Hebron, deftly host the well-paced, Virtual Tour Series.

Photo Courtesy of Jessica Smith Hebron taken by Jeffrey Hebron

Episode #4 focuses on the multi-hued painting Their Eyes Were Watching God created by Prince Georges artist David Cassidy. During a prescient moment along the tour, Greaves eloquently informs how, within the visual storytelling of the painting, the artist acknowledges both an opportunity and need for deeper effectiveness of Black male spirituality. The segment featured resplendent imagery amidst themes of hope and resilience. Take the tour!

The Washington DC region exudes a tradition of brilliance within its sphere of museums. The PGAAMCC reflects that truth in it's virtual, as well as, tangible exhibits. Their programs effectively engage and inform visitors regarding eras past and present, while also imagining the future.

Inspired by County Executive, Angela Alsobrooks' and her slogan, 'Prince George's Proud', The Pride of Place Parlor series, asks noteworthy Prince Georgians this question: "If they could envision Prince George's County twenty years from now, what would it look like?" This series is particularly special for Smith Hebron, as she notes, "I'm in a position to make a sustainable change every day...on behalf of my elders and ancestors."

The museum offers memberships, accepts donations, along with, Prince George’s related artifacts. Via social media, all ages are invited to participate, in the Black History Pop Quiz featuring fun facts about the county. As a virtual platform, the PGAAMCC is available to you, twenty-four hours a day and it remains Prince George's Proud.

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Stevie Gaymon, Photographer: Heart of the Artist

By Seth Washington

For visual artist and gifted storyteller Stevie Gaymon, one thing literally led to another regarding his aesthetic journey.

"The primary reason for my interest in photography was that I wanted to draw, and I was no good," says Gaymon. Even then, seeds of persistence were sprouting in his life, as such, he pressed forward on a path influenced by both family and master painters. Gaymon continues, "My sister had a Brownie Instamatic camera and was always taking pictures. I always liked artists such as Toulouse Lautrec and Monet.

Finally, I put the two together, and here we are".

In the tradition of those who inspired him, Gaymon conveys mastery of his craft and is accomplished in wildlife, landscape, portrait, and still-life

photography. With his collection entitled The Butterfly Effect, the resounding images of butterflies flutter off the printed surface into your soul. Gaymon utilized a studio process called 'stacking'.

"They were photographed using a closeup lens to get as much detail as possible, but in doing so it left me with a very shallow depth of field. That caused me to take as much as 80 shots of one butterfly then stack the images (digitally) to get the desired effect."

Still, the master remains a student, aptly preparing well to capture his images. "To familiarize myself with a subject I usually turn to YouTube and I watch videos about the location, feeding, and migration habits. That is with wildlife. Also, the weather and where the sun is in the atmosphere is important" says the faithful husband and father.

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"When it comes down to equipment or ability, great equipment helps but ability rules the day" declares Gaymon.

Perhaps the number-one fan of her husband's artistic abilities, Tammee Gaymon organized one of his earliest exhibits, by curating, printing, framing, and displaying a selection of his classic black and white photographs in their Prince George's County, MD home. She did this without him knowing and upon seeing his own work presented this way, Gaymon was further inspired to continue creating evocative images.

In preparation for shooting and printing the butterflies, Gaymon meticulously selected specific varieties of the beautiful, taxidermied species from exotic homelands around the world including Peru, Madagascar and Indonesia. Gaymon sought to elevate the visual presentation of the collection and decided upon a unique and specialized printing technique. He shares, "The Dye-sublimation process of printing on aluminum adds another look to a print. It enhances the colors and adds durability to the piece. Expensive to do, but worth it."

In the Summer of 2019, The Butterfly Effect collection was displayed prominently and it inspired pure awe amongst visitors at the Huntington Community Center in Bowie, MD as part of a two-person exhibit featuring Gaymon along with visual artist, Lawrence Smith.

The excitement about the collection continues to grow as another exhibit featuring the butterflies is already slated for 2021.

Regarding some of his favorite elements to shoot, Gaymon conveys, "One of my favorite pictures is one that I took of two zebras, in hot pursuit of each other. I think zebras have an incredibly unique look and the action, above all, was great."

Gaymon also remains pleased about his portrait of the late, Honorable John Lewis for, as he says, "I liked that one because it was John Lewis."

The master, student, and diligent craftsman speaks about what's next on the photographic horizon. "Now that everyone owns a camera, I must really work hard to separate myself. This year I am doing a project with birds only, Rosetta Spoonbill Ospreys, and Eagles.

We will always need art. It helps define us as a people."That's wisdom, picture-perfect, and well-framed, as like Gaymon's Photography; timeless, elegant, and from the heart.

V&P Special Acknowledgement Chadwick Boseman was a gladiator. As like scripture, his weapons were not carnal, yet mighty. The lense of the camera was defenseless against his handsome features, his ebullient smile, as well. Boseman's screen presence and voice resonated a timeless, disarming grace.

Fierce acting skills, honed on stage, majestically embodied the full arc and spirit of each character that he presented. Still, the greatest asset within his vast arsenal was the power of choice. Including, of course, those unforgettable, once in a millenium roles that he stamped, with elegance, upon our collective consciousness.

Likewise the silent force, that Boseman emanated through the untoward characters that he refused to play, reverberates a quiet healing within the atmosphere, even now. Indeed, he was both a soldier and king in the realms of our culture.

As such, V&P Magazine honors him.

Chadwick Boseman Forever.

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THE SPORTS REPORT WITH LADY K Are You Ready For Some Football?

By Karen McConnell-Jones In the world of SPORTS, everyone knows that September says FOOTBALL! The NFL (National Football League) regular-season games are here!

Pre-season is over and done! It’s time to see what the teams are made of. Are you ready to play or are you ready to go home? May the best team please show up!

There are 16 regular-season games played each week among 32 teams which are extended out between two conferences, the National Football Conference (NFC) and the American Football Conference (AFC). They are all fighting for a chance to be in the Playoffs, which at this point, it becomes a process of elimination to see who makes it to the BIG Game! The SUPER BOWL!!!!

So, “Are You Ready For Some Football”... or not?

COVID-19 is bringing on its own uncertainties as we approach this 2020-21 fall-winter football season. Leaving the league and fans thinking should they play or should they not play and if we are being totally honest here, some of us just want to see it begin for our own selfish reasons.

Football is that contact sport that everyone just loves. It’s that hard-hitting, up close in your face kind of sport that just make the fans go crazy. It is the most-watched sport in America, week after week.

The NFL Hot Topics Let’s get right into the hot topics of this NFL season as it will start out with a BANG!!!! Tom Brady is no longer with the New England Patriots. He is now playing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after 20 seasons with the Patriots and nine Super Bowl appearances with six out

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of nine Super Bowl wins, which is the most appearances and wins of any player in NFL history. Having one to wonder was Tom's move to Tampa about the money or did Tom, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots just run its course or as they say, is it a little bit of both?

While in the meantime, the New England Patriot signed Cam Newton to a one year contract after Cam was released from the North Carolina Panthers. Cam was signed to replace Tom Brady and Cam is scheduled to start as a quarterback for the Patriots. Now, on to the Dallas Cowboys. America’s team has let go of head coach Jason Garrett. Jason is now the offensive coordinator for the New York Giants; one of the Cowboys rivalry teams and they both are in the same division. The Cowboys have now picked up new head coach Mike McCarthy, former head coach for the Green Bay Packers. Now that Jason is gone from the Cowboys it has been said that some of the fans believed that Jason was the Cowboy’s weak link and that he should have been fired a long time ago. Let’s just wait and see if the Cowboys will

make the playoffs and make it past the first round with their new head coach Mike McCarthy. The fans are hoping that this year will be a more successful season.

However, we cannot mention the Dallas Cowboys and not mention their number one rivalry team Washington Redskins who will now be called the Washington Football Team, temporarily until they decide on a more permanent name. As we all know and heard Dan Snyder say several times that he will never change the name. Oh well now someone is singing a different tune.

Could it be because his big sponsors were threatening to pull out?

Due to the sensitive manner of racial injustice and police brutality that our nation has been witnessing lately, it has been reported that investors and shareholders sent a letter to the team’s sponsors and those sponsors put pressure on the team. FedEx, which pays $8 million a year to advertise their name on the stadium where the team plays threatened to pull out unless there was a name change. Also, retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target all said that they would stop selling the team’s merchandise as well if there wasn’t a name change. So, it’s fair to say there was a financial imperative to change it.

To make matters worst, the whole sex trafficking scandal has come back on the Washington Football Team once again, accusing the team of pimping out their cheerleaders to their investors and to their suite holders. Whether this is true or not, one thing for sure is that the team fired two employees accused of sexual harassment.

Director of Pro Personnel, Alex Santos, and Richard Mann II, the Assistant Director of Pro Personnel and Larry Michael, abruptly resigned. The team did not explain nor deny the reason for the personnel changes which prompted rampant speculation on social media.

Nevertheless, Dan Snyder has filed a lawsuit against an online media company for publishing stories that falsely suggested he had engaged in sex trafficking and Snyder’s lawyers went on to say if Snyder wins the lawsuit that he plans to give all the proceeds to charity.

Well, there you have it! The NFL Hot Topics! I guess we will have to wait and see how all of this will turn out this 2020-21 season of the NFL. I will end with this; I am truly a BIG fan of football. I just simply love the game but I love the safety of my community and our nation more. So if COVID-19 is to increase and cause more danger to our people then I say safety first and foremost. Please continue to be safe and God bless!

V&P Magazine's Special Acknowledgement

The Sports Report with Lady K gives special tribute and the highest honor to one of our HEROES of college basketball coaching, John Robert Thompson Jr. Thompson was known for being one of the best college basketball coaches ever to have coached the game!!! He was the first African-American head coach that led the Georgetown Hoyas to the NCCA Division I National Championship in 1984. Thompson was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame. Additionally, his community knew him best for being there for the youth and taking on the most notorious drug kingpins. This was in order to give his young athletes a fighting chance to make something of their lives by studying hard academically, staying focused and to be disciplined at sports and in life.

John Robert Thompson Jr., we honor you and may your legacy forever live on. You will truly be missed! May you rest in peace. We extend our prayers to the Thompson family during this time of bereavement.

God Bless.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020 V&P MAGAZINE | 55